Wedding Party

Robert James

Grandfather of the Bride

Growing up I always thought my Papa was too serious, structured, cheap, and conservative. Little did I know, he was teaching me how to be financially stable, courageous, smart, responsible, and self-efficient. I am confident that I am who I am today because of the values, morals, and character traits he instilled throughout my life. His life experiences around racism and injustice have influenced me to speak up and advocate for change in institutions and systems. He is my wisdom, strength, and best friend. He's walking me down the aisle, which means more to me than words could ever describe. Thank you, Papa!

Michelle Clopton

Mother of the Bride

As a child, I was always amazed at my mother's strength, unwavering faith, and determination. Raising me as a single parent, she sacrificed her own happiness to ensure I had opportunities that were not naturally available. She taught me the importance of keeping my hands open not so much to receive but to give. As a result, my community and the state of Colorado have reaped the benefits of my giving spirit and heart. She introduced me to God, a relationship that I have cultivated over several years of highs and lows. As a result, I believe many prayers have been answered and hundreds of people have come to know His love. She showed me my value. As a result, I get to marry the love of my life! Words can't express my love for you, Mom. Thank you for everything! Love always, Mel.

Greg Eisele

Step Father of the Bride

Greg has been so much more than a Step-Father in my life. He's been a mentor, my financial advisor, my research partner, and an exceptional example of a man. I learned through his actions and sometimes silence how a man should love, adore, and treat a woman. Through his actions, I have been reminded that love is patient, kind, keeps no record of wrong, and is a selfless act. Thank you, Greg, for adopting me as your daughter and sharing your wisdom! I appreciate you so much, and you'll always hold a special place in my heart!

Hiawatha Wheat

Mother of the Groom

A majority of my core values and beliefs are due to my mother's caring upbringing of my brother and me. She has helped me navigate through some of the pitfalls I encountered while initially dating Meladie and genuinely listened and provided advice from something as simple as spending quality time with Meladie to as big as calm and thoughtful communications when emotions have run high. She has been here every step of the way, and I love her dearly.

JNorris Wheat

Step Father of the Groom

Although "Jay" is a man of few words, he has an abundance of wisdom thanks to life experiences. Since he has been a part of my life, Jay has been a person I could reach out to for advice. Thank you, Jay, for being part of our special day. We love you and appreciate you.

Stephanie Glynn

Maid of Honor

I am delighted to have my big sister as my Maid of Honor on our special day. Stephanie tends to balance me out by remaining calm, cool, and collected. On this day, similar to others, I'll need her positive and laid-back spirit to anchor me. Sis, I love you, and I appreciate you more than I can find words to explain. Since we were kids, you have always had my back, and on 9.29.21, you'll have it again. Thank you for not only being my big sister but also my dearest friend, confidant, and soundboard. I love you, I cherish you, and I adore you.

Brandon Lowe

Best Man

My brother has always been my right-hand man, so it is only right for him to be my best man on this special day. I have always been able to lean into him for advice on work, relationships, cars to buy, and music to listen to throughout my life. No matter how far apart we are or how long we go without talking, we can always pick up where we left off. I am always able to have a solid laugh with him, and our love is deep. I love you, bro.

Jonnice Taylor

Bridesmaid

Jonnice "Neicy" and I met during our undergraduate studies in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. I'm not sure what attracted her to me, but she has a special ora that naturally pulls you in. She is the most respectful, humble, selfless, and compassionate friend that I have. I have learned a lot from her over the years, like how to love, let small arguments go, and cherish moments that can last a lifetime. She has a rich Caribbean culture that I appreciate because it values God, family, and a strong work ethic. Neicy sacrifices for her loved ones all the time, and her love towards others, I'm confident, mirrors the love Jesus has for His children. It is both an honor and a privilege to call her my best friend and my sister. I love you, Mama!

Brandon Murray

Groomsman

Brandon and I met in high school through my brother, who is his best friend to this day. We have had many good times over the years, and I genuinely enjoy his company because he is upbeat and easy to talk to. He sets a strong example as a friend, husband, and father and is someone I strive to emulate in my relationship with Meladie.

Heaven Tesfaye

Bridesmaid

There are times that I genuinely think a select few parents give their child the most appropriate and thoughtful name. Considering personal traits, morals, and values, Heaven's name truly encompasses who she is inside and out - the dwelling place of God and the angels. I hope that each of you has an opportunity to connect with her because you'll see what I mean. Heaven gives the best hugs; when she asks how you are doing, she is asking because she genuinely cares. She is thoughtful, graceful, elegant, encouraging, patient, compassionate... The list could go on and on. Heaven has prayed for me when I was too tired to pray for myself. It is amazing who God brings into your life and how you come to realize you needed that person. Heaven, thank you for being my person! I love you, girly.

Derrick Clopton II

Groomsman

DC is Meladie's little brother and is a blast to hang around. It is very rare to be around someone who can make you crack a rib from laughing at his jokes but in the same breath, be professional and poised. He has challenged me to be my best self and does not ask anything of myself or others he is unwilling to do. I am grateful that he treats me like a brother, and I am honored to call him brother.

Raven Reid

Bridesmaid

"Ray" is my soul sister who has shared a bond with me that transcends time, space, and distance. We also met in North Carolina while I was pursuing my degree. During that time, I was in a horrible domestic violent relationship in which she saved my life countless times. [Pause] I get choked up whenever I think of what she means to me. She was my rock, refuge, and guardian angel! I owe her so much, and my love for her runs deeper than the sand in the bottle of the deepest sea. I am confident that I would not be where I am today if it had not been for her loving, courageous, nurturing, and protective spirit. I am stronger, wiser, and braver because of her! I serve my community because of her! Ray, I love you forever and always. Thank you for cherishing me when I couldn't do it for myself.

Yoanne Mackita

Groomsman

My friend from the motherland of Gabon, Africa. Yoanne and I met while I was shopping for apartments in Littleton five years ago. I had recently come back from a real estate seminar on how to flip and wholesale homes. He and I discussed our similar interests in real estate that later blossomed into us creating an LLC to flip and sell homes. Although the business did not last long, our friendship has stood the test of time.

Avrielle Walker

Bridesmaid

I met "Avri" about 7 years ago, and when we met, there was an instant connection, and we've been family ever since. It is easy to connect with Avri because she has an old mature soul but a youthful heart. It is crazy to think that she is the baby out of all of us because you'd never guess it by the way she carries herself, handles her responsibilities, and executes plans. My mother would say that we have that in common, acting older than we are. She has given me a wonderful gift of parenthood in the form of becoming her son's Godmother. I admire how she parents Hakeem, and I know I'll lean on her heavily when I become a mother. Avri is my sister, an outstanding friend, and I hope we can grow old together. Thank you, darlin', for standing with me on this special day! I love you!

Daniel Ditengo

Groomsman

Yoanne introduced me to Daniel at his wedding four years ago in Texas. Daniel is a man of few words, but we discussed our backgrounds during our bro trip in California and learned that we had more in common than we initially thought. We are each in the architectural field and love a Taurus woman. Each of these women has provided stability and supported us when we were at our lowest. Since our trip, we have stayed in touch, and our fiancees have become friends as well. Cheers to a growing friendship.

Quincy Tyson

Officiant

When Justin and I were thinking of who we would like to have marry us, I immediately thought of my God-brother, Quincy! We both agreed that it was important to have someone rooted in God's word, aligned with His love and understanding of our non-traditional lifestyle. Similar to us, Quincy believes that love is love and that it should be celebrated without judgment. Quincy, we appreciate that you are authentic to yourself and allow others to be the same way. As you know, life is short and should be cherished. You have a remarkable spirit, heart, character, and we absolutely admire your ability to live life to the fullest. Quincy, thank you for assisting us in joining our two families into one. It is an honor, privilege, and joy to have this memory with you. We love you!

Derrick "Trey" Clopton

Usher

Many of you may know that Trey had leukemia and since has made a full recovery. His life is a daily reminder of God's blessings, grace, and mercy. Also, to cherish every moment, laugh often, and forget about the small things. We are grateful that the Lord has allowed him to celebrate this moment with us! Trey, thank you for being our greeter and usher for the ceremony. We look forward to capturing your smile and creating more memories with you. Love, Aunt Mel & Uncle Justin.

Jhaiya Ousley

Usher